12-05-01 – Identified 4th Mass. Regulation CW Infantry Nine-Button Enlisted Frock Coat! Extremely nice condition, all original, and identified to boot! This is the regulation issue army dress coat that was also worn in the field as standard garb. Dark blue, trimmed in light blue at the collar and cuffs. Nine general service eagle buttons down the front, two at the rear waist, and two smaller ones at each cuff. Padded lining with a pocket and lined sleeves. Two pockets in the tails. The soldier also added two brown polished cotton pockets to each breast in his coat. And thankfully he stenciled his name and unit in the shoulder of the sleeve lining: “E. WALKER / Co. G. 4th REG. MASS. V.”

Current research shows there are two candidates in this company: The first is Edsell H. Walker, who lived in Taunton, Mass., and was a 29 year-old laborer when he enlisted on as a private on 9/15/62 and mustered into Company G of the 4th Mass. Infantry on 9/23/62. He died of disease on 5/11/63 at Berwick City, La. The second is Elnathan Walker also from Taunton, a 29 year-old farmer, who enlisted and mustered into Company G on the same days as Edsell, but survived to be mustered out on 8/28/63 at Camp Hooker, Lakeville, Mass. When this coat was first sold in the early 1970s Dealer George Lower of Gettysburg stated that the owner was Edsell Walker who died in the service. No reason to doubt George as he was the preeminent dealer of that era and undoubtedly knew where the coat originated.

The Fourth Mass. was a nine month regiment recruited in the Fall of 1862 and sent to the deep south, joining Emory’s division of the 19th Army Corps at Baton Rouge. They cooperated with the navy in attempting to get Farragut’s ships past the batteries at Port Hudson and were engaged in the attack on Fort Bisland, April 11-13, 1863, and in the siege and assault on Port Hudson in June. The regiment lost 20 officers killed and wounded during its service. A few years ago an identified coat like this would command a price nearly double what I need to realize out of this one. Thanks to an iffy economy I have priced this one very realistically for today’s market at…
$8,950.00 SOLD

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12-05-02 – Regulation Civil War US issue bugle, complete with the “pig-tail” crook and mouthpiece in excellent condition. These bugles were issued to every branch of service and are one of the most recognizable pieces of Civil War equipment, being most closely associated with cavalry, who could have two buglers in each company. Copper construction with brass floating garland at the bell, ferrule midway back, and upper tube. Exhibits one of the key features in identifying these instruments- the lengthwise dovetailed or “zippered” seam. Excellent condition with the copper and brass showing the colors which they showed when issued. A beautiful example of the regulation issue Union Army Bugle…. Extra cool with the pig-tail mouth piece.
$1,950.00 SOLD

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12-05-03 – A Real John Brown “Beecher’s Bible” Sharps: This is one of the actual carbines John Brown’s supporters shipped to “Bleeding Kansas” in 1856. Henry Ward Beecher raised money to purchase Sharp’s carbines for use by antislavery forces in Kansas of which John Brown was the most prominent figure. Rifles, said Beecher, are “a greater moral agency than the Bible” in the fight against slavery. The guns were packed in crates labeled “Bibles” so they would not arouse suspicion in transit. Hence the carbines became known as “Beecher’s Bibles.” In 1856, after abolitionists were attacked in Lawrence, Kansas John Brown led a raid on scattered cabins along the Pottawatomie Creek, killing five people… one man Brown killed with an axe to the chest… as the man’s family looked on in horror.

The state of Kansas confiscated a great number of the John Brown Sharps carbines. (Model 1853 Slant-Breech.) Many of the guns remained in the possession of the state well into the 20th century. This particular carbine has the wonderful good fortune to bear a sixty year old inscription from the commander of the Kansas National Guard presenting the gun to one of his subordinates. The patchbox is engraved with the following inscription… “A Beecher’s Bible / Maj. Gen. Jos Nickell / to / Maj. Chet Heizer / 1953” There are but a handful of these ’53 Slant Breech guns documented as coming from the captured guns of John Brown, making this a true national treasure.

The gun itself is NRA “Very Good” to near “Fine” condition. Serial no. 17923. All metal is attractive smooth grey mixed with plum patina, very eye appealing. All metal markings are crisp and legible. Stocks are fine condition with great color (a beautiful reddish-brown walnut), strong edges, and showing only minimal handling wear. Three initials present on left buttstock where the wrist joins the frame. The bore is about “good” with strong rifling and some roughness. We occasionally find John Brown Sharps where the serial numbers match the small number that were recorded on paper. These guns bring ten thousand dollars and more. This Sharps is even more important as it actually bears an inscription from the commandant of the state of Kansas as a gift to Major Heizer stating without equivocation that this is a “Beecher’s Bible”. I challenge you to find another for sale at this time…
$8500.00 SOLD

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12-05-04 – Silver-gripped Presentation Grade 1850 foot officer’s sword by Clauberg. Very fine condition sword carried by an infantry line officer, but of better quality than most with a facetted German silver grip and elaborately engraved brass scabbard mounts that make this sword stand out. The upper mount displays a “US” surrounded by a wreath. The blade retains 75% factory luster and is etched with very visible patriotic and floral motifs, including an eagle and U.S. Blade is excellent with just some slight graying here and there. The scabbard is a leather covered steel example with brass mounts. As usual with the leather covered steel scabbards, the original leather on this was badly deteriorated (due to its proximity to the oxidizing steel sheath) and I had the leather professionally restored. The scabbard is original, only the leather facade has been restored. Clauberg was one of the most prolific suppliers of swords to American military goods dealers from whom US officers purchased their weapons, uniforms, and equipment. Officers had some leeway in selecting how nice a sword they wished to carry and the officer who bought this one no doubt came from a very well to do family. This would look great with a fancy set of officer’s shoulder straps, saber belt, revolver or etc…
$2,350.00

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12-05-05 – Presentation m1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword. Regulation sword carried by officers ranking from major to general and by officers on staff duty. This one was presented to a line officer who must have been highly regarded by his men. Nicely engraved in period script on the upper mount: “Comp. H 54 Regt./ NYSV to/ their Comander/ Ch. Vogel / on the 16 of Febry / 1862” This regiment was organized in Hudson City, New Jersey, and recruited largely among the German populations of Brooklyn and New York City. They were nicknamed the Hiram Barney Rifles. Barny Black Rifles, and the Schwarze Yaeger- the “Black Hunters.” Christian Vogel was 37 years-old when he enlisted to serve three years and mustered in as First Lieutenant in Co. G on 9/17/61. He transferred to Company H that same month and served until 02/26/62. During this period the regiment served in Casey’s provisional division and Steinwehr’s brigade of Blenker’s division in the Army of the Potomac. They later went on to see action and take significant casualties at Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. Vogel subsequently saw service in the 11th NY Militia, who were federalized during the Gettysburg campaign and posted to the Department of the Susquehanna near Harrisburg. He served as Captain of Company I from 6/16/63 to 7/20/63.

The sword is in good condition with a nice overall patina. The brass mounts show a mellow tone and the scabbard is a nice plum-brown. The grip wrap is missing and needs to be redone. The blade is gun metal grey with nice federal motif etching still plainly visible. Slight push in the guard over the letters “US”. Vogel must have been well thought of by his men. The use of “comander” (misspelled in the presentation) probably indicates that he was the senior company officer present for a time.

A very nice inscribed staff and field sword from the early part of the Civil War.
$1,850.00 SOLD

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12-05-06 – 1840 Style Heavy Cavalry Saber. This was the old “wrist-breaker” style saber used by dragoons in the Mexican war up to the adoption of the light cavalry version, or “1860,” that actually was introduced in 1857. This was the pattern used by most foreign contractors who rushed to get into the American arms trade. Nice condition, with a good grip and wire, bright blade with just traces of gray, and a bright scabbard. Still attached to a detachable belt hook and saber slings which are Indian War examples added by the previous collector. This one bears the rooster stamp of the Weyersburg brothers on the ricasso. They supplied large numbers of swords and blades to American retailers during the war: Horstmann was one of their big customers. See Thillmann’s chapter on the firm for more details. A nice example of the typical saber that was rushed into US and Confederate cavalry troopers’ hands early in the war when American manufacturers could not keep up with demand.
$550.00 SOLD

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12-05-07 – Tagged Snuff Box – Measures roughly 3×2”… Silver Plated…Art on cover shows a man rescuing a fallen damsel from a horse. Patent date on the outside: “PAT’D JAN. 24-1860”. Whats more interesting is the tag inside which reads “ This silver tobacco box belonged to father for many years.” Signed “Maveritte G. Smith Oct. 1908” Very cool…
$225.00 SOLD

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12-05-08 – 18th Century Dutch Tobacco Box: When I bought this I had no idea what the engraving represented. I knew it was a tobacco or snuff box and I thought it dated to the mid 1700s but that was all I could guess. I kept it for a couple years and while Google searching the motifs recently I found a nearly identical example in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art: The museum describes it as follows IV, 1 (Figures 83, 85)
Brass
4/4 X 2716 x /4 in. (Io.8 X 6. i X 3.2 cm.)
i8th century
Gift of Mrs. Lucy W. Drexel, I889
89.2.23

An oval box. The lid is engraved with a representation of the Madonna and Child. Inscribed below her feet is: [?] Vroude Kevelaar (Virgin Kevelaer). A small angel

head surmounts this inscription, below: Komt pilgrims met vlijt wilt dese maget eere so hoort sij u gebet, eer gij suit weederkeere, sij is een voorspraak voor ons alle gaar daarom besoekt haar te kevelaar (Come pilgrims,

honor this virgin with diligence; then she will hear your prayer before you return. She is the advocate for us all, therefore visit her at Kevelaer). The underside carries an image of Antony of Padua holding his attributes, the Christ Child and a lily. Inscribed below is: S. Antonius van Padua (St. Antony of

Padua). Additional information from the Metropolitan Museum relates the following …Tobacco boxes designed as souvenirs were often engraved with city views … That these boxes

were popular with sailors has become clear from the excavation of the Dutch ship Kennemerlanwd, wrecked in 1664 ….

A special kind of souvenir was a keepsake from a pilgrimage. An eighteenth-century example is illustrated in Figure 83 (Number IV, i). On its lid is an image of the Madonna of Kevelaer in Germany, close to the Dutch border. In 1642 a chapel was built in Kevelaer in honor of a small engraving of the Madonna of Luxembourg( Figure 84). The miracle-working Virgin was worshipped as ConsolatriAx flictorum( comforter of the afflicted). The

Madonna on the cover of this tobacco box is accompanied by the following inscription: “Come pilgrims honor this Virgin with diligence; then she will hear your prayer before you return. She is the advocate for us all, therefore visit her at Kevelaer.” The box is made entirely of brass, and its underside, like those of similar examples, is adorned with the image of Saint Antony of Padua, who was also venerated in this region (Figure 85). End of data from Metropolitan Museum. Size of my box is roughly 4.75” x 3” A nice early tobacco antique.
$450.00 SOLD

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12-05-09 – Rare, rare, rare m1851 officer’s belt plate. This is the scarce lead-filled variety that appears only in the early months of the war. Stamped brass eagle buckle is lead filled with brass tongue. Keeper is also lead filled stamped brass. Officer’s plates are readily available, but 99.99% are the typical solid brass castings of varying quality. Early on, producers were thinking in terms of the enlisted plates that were stamped brass and solder filled, and they made the newly designed officer plates the same way. Needless to say, they were not as service worthy as they needed to be and most of them broke at the belt loop when worn with a sword. By 1862 no one was making these lead filled rarities any more. Consequently finding one of these in fine condition is a rare event.
$495.00 SOLD

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12-05-10 – African American Servant to The President! A from-life photographic link to America’s founding era! Full standing carte-de-visite photograph circa 1861 of an elderly black woman with dress, shawl, and turban cap leaning on a cane. Nice period ink inscription on the lower reverse: “’Sophy’ Bush aged 100/ formerly a servant/ of John Quincy Adams.” There are few photographic images out there of people associated with the early Republic. Here is a woman who probably met and knew many significant figures of our young country as actual people, not as characters in a history book. There seems to have been a rush around 1860 to record survivors of our early years, perhaps because the future of the country was so in doubt. Card is very clean with nice tones. A slight stain on the top middle edge of the card that just barely seeps into the upper edge of the albumen and not at all into the image. Focus on Sophy’s face is a touch soft. A top notch photograph of incredible scarcity and significant historical import when we consider that John Quincy Adams was the man (and ex-President) who in 1841 successfully defended the rebellious slaves who commandeered the slave ship Amistad killing the captain and mate. Apparently our anti-slavery early President was not averse to using black servants. I do not know if Sophy was a free Black Woman or a Slave. Certainly she would have been bound in slavery during her youth… having been a vital young woman during the American Revolution when all the states allowed slavery. Historical and striking…
$1,250.00 SOLD

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12-05-11 – Identified quintessential Yankee infantryman and perfect go-with for our infantry frock coat offered above! Full standing view of a young soldier equipped for duty in the field. Wearing a forage cap and a nine-button infantry enlistedman’s frock (see our offering of one of these in this list!), our man holds his rifle with fixed bayonet at rest. Visible above his shoulders is his blanket roll on top of his knapsack. Across his chest are slung his cartridge box, his canteen and his haversack. At his waist he wears his cap box and bayonet scabbard on his belt with an oval US belt plate. There is some great detail here- his haversack seems to be one of the commercial varieties we often see carried by Massachusetts troops, and he carries his tin mess cup slung from its fastening buckle and strap. His cartridge box is just visible at his hip.
On the upper reverse in period pencil is the name “Melvin Prescott.” There is only one candidate: Melvin Prescott, Company H, 5th Mass. Infantry. He was a 24 year-old clerk who enlisted as a private 9/10/62 and mustered into Company H on 9/16/62 and mustered out 7/2/63 at Camp Lander, Wenham, Mass. As with our infantry frock coat, this regiment was a nine-month unit recruited in the Fall of 1862 and sent south. Ordered to the department of North Carolina, it was sent to Newbern. Between November 2 and 13 it took part in the expedition toward Williamstown, N.C. On December 10 it joined the Goldsboro expedition, and during the succeeding eleven days marched 180 miles and participated in the battles of Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro. It took part in two expeditions for the relief of Washington, N. C., which was besieged by the Confederates, also in the so called Gun Swamp expedition in May, 1863.
Card is in good condition with one light stain across the soldier’s brow that does not affect the content of the image, some scattered light foxing and one smaller light stain, none of which affects content, and a piece of the upper right of the albumen is gone, not affecting the image. An identified image with great content…
$465.00 SOLD

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12-05-12 – Inscribed Confederate Canteen and Yankee Captor’s Medal, Documents, and Eating Utensil: Fresh from the family descendants of Isaac B. Butler 82nd Ohio is this wonderful lot of Civil War souvenirs. The central piece is a regulation Confederate Gardner pattern wood canteen with a pencil note written on it which reads: “Canteen given to J.B. Butler in a trade by a rebel soldier when both were on picket duty December 1863.”

Also present is a family note stating the same thing which was taped to the canteen up until last month. The canteen is overall excellent with all three strap guides. There is one crack in one side of one face of no consequence. Also included with this lot is Butler’s German silver veteran’s ID – Corps badge inscribed with his name, unit, and corps insignia. Also included is the fork-spoon half of a knife-fork-spoon combination set, his discharge paper, obituary, news clippings, and some pension papers. The most interesting news clipping is an article Butler was interviewed for in 1913 when he recalled his experiences at Gettysburg. The 82nd Ohio saw hard service in the eastern and western theaters serving in the Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and in the 20th Corps in the Tennessee and Atlanta Campaigns. Soldier Butler served in the 82nd from 1861 through 1865 and he truly “saw the elephant”. Wonderful grouping and super Rebel canteen with the inscribed capture story on it.
$2875.00 SOLD

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12-05-13 – Southern Cross of Honor – The medal is 2” tall and reads “W.A. UPTON SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR” and in the middle “DEO VINDICE 1861-1865”. The back reads “PATENTED CHARLES W CRANKSHAW -ATLANTA-” and below “UNITED DAUGHTERS CONFEDERACY TO THE U.C.V.” and the Confederate flag in the middle. William A. Upton of the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry 4th Battalion. Ashby’s 2nd Cavalry regiment was formed by consolidating the 4th and 5th Battalions of Tennessee Cavalry in May, 1862. The regiment participated in the conflicts at Cumberland Gap, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga, then was involved in the Atlanta Campaign. Later it skirmished in Alabama, aided in the defense of Savannah, and took part in the campaign of the Carolinas. It lost 6 killed, 8 wounded, and 19 missing at Cumberland Gap, and reported 19 casualties at Chickamauga. ….
$450.00 SOLD

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12-05-14 – GAR Medal – Medal reads “GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 1861-VETERAN-1866” The back of the eagle reads “PAT MAY 4, 1886 JUNE 22,1886” Ribbon appears to be replaced….
$85 SOLD

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12-05-15 – Original Cavalry Crossed Saber Hat Insignia: Finding these original examples is darn tough. 80% or more I see at the shows are fakes. Complete with all four loops soldered on the reverse. Guaranteed genuine 101% …
$225.00 SOLD

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12-05-16 – Handsome Smith’s Patent Style Shoulder Straps: A fine war date pair of First Lieutenant of Staff straps. Borders and bars are stamped brass / false embroidered as seen on several of the war time patent straps including Smith’s. No patent marking present on these. Background is blue-black velvet for staff. Much prettier than the wool background straps so frequently seen. Condition is about fine except on the back of one strap … but you don’t display the back anyway. Scarce finds these days…
$385.00 SOLD

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12-05-17 – Captain of Infantry Shoulder Straps: A very nice pair of war date straps showing appropriate age and gentle wear but no abuse. These are standard single border embroidered straps with gilt bullion embroidered borders and bars. Background material is light blue velvet with the nap worn down to base material. The backs of each strap are covered in thin enameled paper as seen on early and mid war straps. Very good condition and solid. These were worn by the company commander who led his infantrymen in battle. Getting very hard to find in the 21st century.
$495.00 SOLD

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12-05-18 – 58 Caliber Paper Cartridge: The real-deal. One cartridge just like the 40 that were issued to each infantryman to fill his cartridge box. I have a handful that turned up in a cartridge box priced each at
$95.00 SOLD

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12-05-19 – 1835/1842 Socket bayonet ; VG condtion…
$150.00 SOLD

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12-05-20 – 1835/1842 Socket Bayonet… Quite a bit nicer… Extra fine
$185.00 SOLD

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12-05-21 – Regulation Civil War US officer’s sash. These were worn as a badge of rank by officers ranking colonel and below in all branches of service except the medical department and the medical staff. Crimson silk with tassels at each end. As is usual with these the body retains much of its original crimson and the knots and tassels have shifted slightly in color to more of a purple. Very good solid condition. Perfect for display with that officer’s sword on even on an officer’s frock coat of infantry, artillery, or even cavalry. A solid representative example priced fairly at
$495.00 SOLD

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12-05-22 – Complete Lorenz Percussion Rifle w/ Bayonet: This is the famed Austrian rifle that was issued in large numbers to Confederates from Tennessee and Union forces from Midwest states including Michigan. Gun is NRA “Very Good” condition. 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect. Lock is dated “860” (1860) … the Austrians always omitted the “1” in the date. Metal is steel grey. Wood shows handling and use but no abuse. Quadrangular bayonet is likewise VG or better. Retains the original brass tipped ram rod with hole, both sling swivels, and the original fixed block rear sight. Perfect to display with US or CS soldier effects, and quite scarce to find in 100% complete condition. $1,295.00 Without Bayonet:
$1,195.00 SOLD

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12-05-23 – Another Lorenz Rifle: This is the famed Austrian rifle that was issued in large numbers to Confederates from Tennessee and Union forces from Midwest states including Michigan. Gun is NRA “Good” condition. It is all original except for a replaced incorrect ram rod and middle band which fits perfectly and is a Civil War band… just off another rifle. Mechanically perfect. Lock is unmarked. Metal is steel grey. Wood shows handling and use but no abuse. There is a little spot of chipping in the wood behind the lock, inconsequential but mentioned for accuracy’s sake. Retains both sling swivels. The rear sight is a fixed V-notch sight. Perfect to display with US or CS soldier effects. Here is a most affordable Lorenz … perfect for display or careful use in reenacting…
$595.00 SOLD

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12-05-24 – Yet another Lorenz Rifle: This is the famed Austrian rifle that was issued in large numbers to Confederates from Tennessee and Union forces from Midwest states including Michigan. Gun is NRA “Good” condition. It is all original except for a replaced incorrect ram rod and middle band. Mechanically perfect. Metal is steel grey. Lock is dated 1861 … “861” as the Austrians omitted the first “1” on all the Lorenz dates. Middle barrel band is off a US M1861 musket. Wood has been over cleaned and shows handling and use but no abuse. It has a blonde patina. Retains rear sling swivel. Forward swivel is broken off. The rear sight is a fixed V-notch sight. Nipple is slightly battered. Wrist of stock shows an old repair and a brass escutcheon has been inlaid into the top of the wrist. Perfect to display with US or CS soldier effects. Here is a most affordable Lorenz … perfect for display or careful use in reenacting…
$495.00 SOLD

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12-05-25 – Austrian Lorenz Bayonet – VG condition. Nice crisp edges! 2 Availabe…
$135.00 each SOLD

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12-05-26 – Mass. Arms Co. Adams Navy Revolver (aka Beaumont Adams): A tight and solid specimen in overall VG++ condition. The gun is absolutely beautiful with an ancient re-finish done decades ago, possibly during the guns period of use. The blue is the 19th century style with nice luster and true blue color.

Top of frame is marked “Manufactured By Mass. Arms Co. Chicopee Falls”. Right side of frame is marked “Patent June 3 1856”. Left side of frame is unmarked. Loading lever is marked “Kerr’s Patent April 14th 1857” and bears number 794. The revolver has all original parts and is mechanically fine. These are a rather scarce Civil War firearm and most (1000) were sent to Virginia just prior to the war. 500 were ordered by the Army prior to the Virginia deliveries. It is believed that the highest serial number delivered to the US Ordnance Department is 609, indicating that 100 or so were manufactured for private sale during that period, or were rejected by the Ordnance Department. While total Mass Arms production of the revolvers has been estimated at 1,000 (500 to the Ordnance Department and the rest for commercial sales), there were more likely 1500 revolvers actually produced since the State of Virginia purchased 1,000. Virginia ordered 1000 revolvers and the same number of cavalry sabers from the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee Falls, MA in May of 1860. With this is mind serial number 794 may well have been in the lot of 1000 sent south and likely saw service in the hands of a Virginia Cavalryman. A scarce gun, and a very nice example. Perfect for display with CSA cavalry effects without breaking the bank.
$1,650.00 SOLD

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